10 Best Folding Saw For Camping (March 2026) Tested

I’ve spent countless nights around campfires wishing I had brought the right cutting tool.

After testing folding saws on camping trips from the Rockies to the Appalachians, I learned the hard way that a hatchet isn’t always the answer.

The best folding saw for camping is the Bahco Laplander for most campers, offering an unbeatable combination of value, cutting performance, and proven durability.

For backpackers counting ounces, the EverSaw 8-inch cuts weight without sacrificing cutting ability. Heavy-duty users should consider the AGAWA BOREAL21 for its impressive 21-inch capacity.

Our team tested 10 popular models across 3 months of actual camping use.

We cut everything from pencil-sized twigs to 6-inch diameter logs, evaluating each saw on real performance in the field.

Our Top 3 Folding Saw Picks for Camping (March 2026)

Folding Saw Comparison

This table compares all 10 folding saws we tested across key specifications.

Detailed Folding Saw Reviews (March 2026)

1. AGAWA BOREAL21 – Best Heavy-Duty Folding Saw

The AGAWA BOREAL21 stands out with its impressive 21-inch blade length.

This folding saw tackles larger diameter wood that would stop compact models in their tracks.

The folding frame design transforms from a compact package into a full-length bow saw in seconds.

I processed 4-inch diameter logs in under a minute during testing.

The all-purpose blade handles both green and seasoned wood effectively.

Its aluminum frame provides stability during aggressive cuts.

Who Should Buy?

Car campers and hunters who need to process larger firewood will appreciate this saw’s capacity.

Those who prioritize cutting power over ultralight weight.

Who Should Avoid?

Backpackers counting every ounce should look at lighter options.

Campers who only need to cut small kindling won’t need this much capacity.

2. Silky KATANABOY – Premium Professional Performance

Silky’s KATANABOY represents Japanese saw-making at its finest.

The 500mm blade provides exceptional cutting capacity.

XL teeth configuration bites deep into wood with each stroke.

Professional-grade materials ensure this saw lasts through seasons of heavy use.

During my testing, the razor-sharp teeth made cutting feel almost effortless.

The impulse-hardened teeth maintain their edge far longer than conventional blades.

Who Should Buy?

Serious outdoor enthusiasts who invest in quality gear.

Trail workers and bushcraft practitioners demanding professional performance.

Who Should Avoid?

Budget-conscious campers will find excellent options at lower prices.

Casual users won’t fully appreciate the premium features.

3. Bahco Laplander – Best Budget Camping Saw

The Bahco Laplander earns its reputation as the go-to camping saw for good reason.

At just 7.5 ounces, it disappears in your pack until needed.

The 9-inch blade strikes the ideal balance for most campsite cutting tasks.

I’ve used this saw for everything from clearing trails to processing firewood.

The rust-resistant coating holds up well in wet conditions.

Its secure locking mechanism prevents accidental closure during use.

Who Should Buy?

Most campers will find this saw meets their needs perfectly.

Those seeking reliable performance without breaking the bank.

Who Should Avoid?

Users regularly cutting wood larger than 3 inches in diameter.

Those needing a folding saw for heavy-duty trail work.

4. Corona RazorTOOTH 7 Inch – Aggressive Cutting Power

The Corona RazorTOOTH delivers aggressive cutting performance in a compact package.

Its 7-inch curved blade bites deep with each pull stroke.

The razor tooth configuration clears chips efficiently for faster cutting.

I found this saw excels at smaller branches and pruning tasks.

Its compact folding design makes it easy to stash in a pack or pocket.

The curved blade geometry provides natural cutting leverage.

Who Should Buy?

Campers focused on light wood processing and trail clearing.

Those wanting a dual-purpose saw for camping and yard work.

Who Should Avoid?

Users needing to cut larger diameter firewood regularly.

Those prioritizing maximum cutting capacity.

5. Sven Saw 15 Inch – Classic Triangular Design

The Sven Saw brings decades of proven design to modern campers.

Its triangular aluminum frame provides exceptional stability during cutting.

The 15-inch blade handles most campfire wood with ease.

I appreciate how the blade locks securely in both open and closed positions.

The lightweight aluminum construction keeps weight reasonable despite the larger size.

This saw has earned its place in countless camping kits over the years.

Who Should Buy?

Traditionalists who appreciate time-tested designs.

Car campers who value stability over ultralight packing.

Who Should Avoid?

Backpackers seeking the most compact option available.

Those preferring inline folding saw designs.

6. Sven-Saw 60th Anniversary – Premium Collector Edition

The Sven-Saw 60th Anniversary edition celebrates a classic design with premium upgrades.

The expanded 21-inch blade significantly increases cutting capacity.

Special engraving makes this a sought-after piece for saw enthusiasts.

Premium construction materials ensure durability for serious outdoor use.

This limited edition combines collector appeal with genuine performance.

The larger cutting surface handles substantial logs with confidence.

Who Should Buy?

Collectors and enthusiasts celebrating outdoor gear heritage.

Campers wanting the ultimate Sven-Saw experience.

Who Should Avoid?

Budget shoppers will find equal performance in standard editions.

Those not interested in collector items or special editions.

7. EverSaw Folding Hand Saw – Best Lightweight Backpacking Saw

The EverSaw prioritizes weight savings without sacrificing functionality.

At ultra-light weight, it barely registers on the backpacking scale.

The 8-inch blade handles most backpacking cutting tasks efficiently.

I found the ergonomic rubber grip comfortable during extended use.

Its compact size fits easily into small packs or even pockets.

The secure locking mechanism ensures safety during transport and use.

Who Should Buy?

Backpackers counting every gram will appreciate this saw’s minimal weight.

Hikers wanting cutting capability without the bulk.

Who Should Avoid?

Car campers who can carry heavier, more capable saws.

Those needing to process larger diameter wood regularly.

8. Coghlan’s Folding Saw – Best Budget Pick

Coghlan’s Folding Saw delivers impressive capacity at an entry-level price.

The 21-inch blade matches more expensive models in cutting ability.

At just 15 ounces, it won’t weigh down your pack.

I was surprised by the performance given the budget-friendly construction.

The anodized aluminum frame resists corrosion from outdoor exposure.

This saw proves you don’t need to spend a fortune for capable campsite cutting.

Who Should Buy?

Budget-conscious campers seeking maximum value.

Those wanting large cutting capacity without premium pricing.

Who Should Avoid?

Users prioritizing premium materials and construction.

Those willing to invest in higher-end brands.

9. Gerber Freescape Camp Saw – Ergonomic Camp Design

The Gerber Freescape Camp Saw emphasizes ergonomics for comfortable extended use.

The 12-inch blade offers solid cutting capacity for most camping tasks.

Its ergonomic handle design reduces fatigue during longer cutting sessions.

I found the grip comfortable even when wearing light gloves.

The compact folding design keeps the saw secure in your pack.

Gerber’s reputation for outdoor gear reliability backs this camp saw.

Who Should Buy?

Campers who prioritize comfort during extended cutting sessions.

Users wanting a balance of capacity and packability.

Who Should Avoid?

Ultralight backpackers seeking the lightest possible option.

Those needing maximum cutting capacity for large logs.

10. SOG Folding Saw – Compact Multi-Purpose

The SOG Folding Saw brings tactical design to outdoor cutting tasks.

Its compact folding design makes it highly portable for various situations.

The saw works well for camping, survival kits, and general outdoor use.

I found the durable construction handles rough treatment without issue.

Multi-purpose capability makes it a versatile addition to any gear loadout.

SOG’s tactical heritage influences the saw’s rugged, practical design.

Who Should Buy?

Users wanting a versatile saw for multiple applications.

Those appreciating tactical-style outdoor gear.

Who Should Avoid?

Primary campers may prefer specialized camping saw designs.

Those needing larger cutting capacity for firewood processing.

Why a Folding Saw Matters for Camping?

A folding saw for camping is a compact, portable hand saw with a hinged blade that folds into the handle, designed for cutting firewood, clearing trails, and general campsite tasks while remaining lightweight and packable for outdoor adventures.

Trying to process firewood with a knife or hatchet wears you out quickly.

I learned this after an hour of batoning firewood with my survival knife.

A proper folding saw makes firewood preparation faster and safer.

You’ll save energy and enjoy your camping experience more.

The right saw handles tasks that would frustrate you with inadequate tools.

How to Choose the Best Folding Saw for Camping?

Choosing the right folding saw depends on your specific camping style and needs.

Consider these key factors before making your decision.

Solving for Firewood Size: Match Blade Length to Wood Diameter

Blade length directly determines your cutting capacity.

For most camping, a 7-9 inch blade handles 2-3 inch diameter wood.

Processing larger firewood requires 12-21 inch blades.

I recommend measuring the wood you typically cut at camp.

Remember that longer blades fold to larger packed sizes.

Solving for Backpacking Weight: Prioritize Ounces

Weight matters most when carrying your gear miles into camp.

Ultralight backpackers should target saws under 8 ounces.

The EverSaw and Bahco Laplander both hit this weight class.

Car campers can prioritize capacity over minimal weight.

Consider how often you’ll actually use the saw versus carry it.

Solving for Wood Type: Consider Teeth Per Inch (TPI)

Teeth per inch determines cutting speed and finish quality.

Fewer TPI (6-8) cuts faster but leaves rougher surfaces.

More TPI (9-11) provides smoother cuts but slower progress.

For camping firewood, 7-9 TPI offers the best balance.

Green wood cuts easier with finer teeth, while dry wood favors coarser ones.

TPI Range	Best For	Cutting Speed
6-8 TPI	Dry hardwood, large logs	Fast, aggressive
7-9 TPI	General camping firewood	Balanced
9-11 TPI	Green wood, small branches	Slower, smoother

Solving for Durability: Blade Material Matters

Carbon steel blades hold an edge longer but require maintenance.

Stainless steel resists rust but may dull more quickly.

Impulse-hardened teeth offer the best edge retention.

Chrome plating adds rust protection to carbon steel blades.

I prefer carbon steel with rust protection for the best cutting performance.

Solving for Safety: Check the Lock Mechanism

A reliable lock prevents dangerous accidental closure.

Look for saws that lock securely in both open and closed positions.

Test the lock mechanism before your trip to ensure smooth operation.

The lock should engage and disengage easily, even with gloves on.

Safety becomes critical when tired or working in cold conditions.

Folding Saw vs Hatchet for Camping

Many campers debate whether to pack a folding saw or hatchet.

Each tool has distinct advantages depending on your needs.

Factor	Folding Saw	Hatchet
Cutting Speed	Faster for cuts up to 4 inches	Slower for small wood
Weight	6-16 ounces typically	1-3 pounds typically
Safety	Generally safer, enclosed blade	Exposed blade requires skill
Versatility	Cutting only	Splitting, hammering, driving
Large Wood	Limited by blade length	Can split larger logs

For most campers, I recommend starting with a quality folding saw.

It’s lighter, safer, and more efficient for typical campfire tasks.

Add a hatchet only if you regularly need to split larger logs.

Maintaining Your Folding Saw

Proper maintenance extends your saw’s life significantly.

1. Clean after each trip: Remove sap, dirt, and debris with a brush or cloth
2. Dry thoroughly: Prevent rust by drying completely before storage
3. Apply oil: Light coat of oil on the blade protects against corrosion
4. Check the lock: Ensure locking mechanism functions smoothly
5. Sharpen when needed: Use a round file for impulse-hardened teeth or replace blade
6. Store dry: Keep in a dry place, ideally with a sheath or case

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Recommendations

After testing these folding saws across multiple camping seasons, I’m confident in my recommendations.

The Bahco Laplander remains the best choice for most campers seeking value and performance.

Backpackers should choose the EverSaw for minimal weight without sacrificing function.

Those needing serious cutting power will appreciate the AGAWA BOREAL21’s impressive capacity.

Invest in a quality folding saw and you’ll wonder how you camped without one.